South India with Goa Tour

Our company Representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at the Chennai airport. Transfer to your hotel. Check in at hotel in Chennai.

St. George Fort

The first British Warehouse came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the local Nayaks on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by 1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in 1676. In 1744 Robert Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in 1910 and the Secretariat in 1925.

All the neighboring areas were merged into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking areas.

Overnight will be at Hotel.

Proceed for city tour of Chennai in the morning after breakfast.

Santhome Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.

Fort St. George, one the first few bastions built by the east India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George. It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. The Fort Museum, once a building that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of early Madras.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.

Overnight will be at Hotel.

Kanchipuram

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram - is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Lunch at local restaurant and later drive to Mamallapooram and check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the city - built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum.

Overnight will be at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamallai a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva.

TIRUVANNAMALAI
Tiruvannamalai is an ancient city exists since 8th Century. Ellappa Nayanar the Sixteenth century Tamil scholar, recorded extensively about Tiruvannamalai town in his Arunachala Puranam tamil literature work. There is an Sansksrit literature work called Arunachala Mahatmyam written in same period. But there is known controversey among Sanskirit and Tamil scholoars, in claiming which literature is written first about tiruvannamalai history. Unlike Sanskirt version, ancient Tamil scholoar Ellappa Nayanar's has extensively recorded about the Tiruvannamalai City architecture and the legendary stories about King Vallalan the Hoysala Empire. The king has contributed in spreading the benefit of Girivalam and Arunachala temple. Which subsequently helped the expansion of Tiruvannamalai town? King Vallala was ruling entire south india from Deccan Plateu with Dwarasamdura as capital. Now called Halebid lay to the north-west of Mysore. We can still see the richness of Hoysala art, architecture and its unique style distinguished by a high density of details and embellishments, among the remains of city Halebid.

After lunch at local restaurant, proceed to Pondicherry,

PONDICHERRY:

Pondicherry

Situated on the Coromandel coast, about 160 kms south of Chennai, lies the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. It is bound on the east by the Bay of Bengal and on the other three sides by the South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. About 150 kilometres south of Pondicherry, on the east coast, lies Karaikal, while Mahe is situated on the Malabar coast. Yanam is situated in the adjoining East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. The excavations near Pondicherry reveal, that a Roman settlement existed here, 2000 years ago. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence.

This restored, attractive, former French colony, exudes a Mediterranean aura with its chic streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed the Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants and cheap beer, what attracts most travellers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot, Auroville, 10 km outside town. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. The ashram, the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science is quite popular within India and abroad.

Festivals of Pondicherry differ from the rest of India, for the French influence still persists prominently here. Masquerade, held in March - April, is a popular mask festival, during which brilliantly costumed and masked people of Pondicherry, dance down the streets to the music of trumpets and accordions. During the Eve of the Bastille Day, retired soldiers parade the streets in war finery, singing the French and Indian National Anthem. French is still widely spoken, and the seaside villas and the cobbled streets are more reminiscent of the south of France than the south of India!!

Overnight stay will be at the heritage hotel.

Drive to visit Aurobindo Ashram which is also known as “the city of dawn”. The place is 10 km north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Shri Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter.

After lunch at local restaurant, drive to Thanjavur enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower rises to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66mts.

Overnight will be at Tanjore.

After breakfast leave for Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre. It is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam.

TRICHY:
Woraiyur, a part of present day Tiruchirappalli, was the capital city of Cholas from 300 B.C. onwards. This is supported by archaeological evidences and ancient literatures. There are also literary sources which tell that Woraiyur continued to be under the control of Cholas even during the days of Kalabhra interregnum (A.D. 300 - 575). Later, Woraiyur along with the present day Tiruchirappalli and its neighbouring areas came under the control of Mahendra Varma Pallava I, who ascended the throne in A.D. 590. Till A.D. 880, according to the inscriptions, this region was under the hegemony of either the Pallvas or the Pandyas. It was in 880 AD, Aditya Chola brought a downfall to the Pallava dynasty. From that time onwards Tiruchirappalli and its region became a part of Greater Cholas. In 1225 A.D the area was occupied by the Hoysulas. Afterwards, it came under the rule of later Pandyas till the advent of Mughal Rule.

Tiruchirappalli was for some time under the Mughal rule, which was put to an end by the Vijayanagar rulers. The Nayaks, the Governors of Vijayanagar Empire, ruled this area till A.D. 1736. It was Viswanatha Nayaka who built the present day Teppakulam and the Fort. The Nayak dynasty came to an end during the days of Meenakshi.

The Muslims ruled this region again with the aid of either the French or the English armies. For some years, Tiruchirappalli was under the rule of Chanda Sahib and Mohamed Ali. Finally the English brought Tiruchirappalli and other areas under their control. The district was then under the hegemony of British for about 150 years till the independence of India.

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Tiruchirappalli, the fourth largest city in the state was a citadel of the Early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. But the Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. This tug of war finally ended when the Cholas reasserted themselves in the 10th century. Trichy continued to be in their possession until the decline of the empire after which it became a Vijayanagara stronghold.

When this empire collapsed in 1565, Trichy came to be occupied in turn by the Nayaks of Madurai, the Marathas, the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. But it was under the Nayaks of Madurai that Trichy flourished and prospered in its own right and grew to be the city that it is today. Trichy flourished and prospered in its own, built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the fort there are several churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 1760s. With its excellent infrastructural facilities Trichy will serve as a good base to see central Tamilnadu. It was one of the main centers around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India.

After sightseeing tour transfer to hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

After morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Madurai by road,

MADURAI:

Madurai

Madurai’s Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the existence of Madurai from the 4th Century B.C.the city was known to the Greeks via Magathenes their ambassador to the court of Chandraguptha Muriya this city was popular in trade especially in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy of the Tamil Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai is famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris.

Overnight will be at Madurai.

Proceed for Periyar after breakfast.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the ‘Azhimugham’ of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Proceed for enjoying a Boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at hotel in Periyar.

Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Munnar by road, After the 4-hour journey, you will reach one of the most beautiful Hill Stations of Kerala, "Munnar". Munnar is famous for its manicured tea plantations and quiet colonial atmosphere. Check in the Munnar Hotel and spend

MUNNAR:
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics discovered around the area point to Stone Age civilization. However the written history begins from the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as it is at the confluence of three mountain streams, the name is apt. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area and the Tamilians (known as 'Muthuvans') also migrated to Munnar and nearby places during this period. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

In 1877 said Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land around Munnar to a Mr. J D Munro, a British lawyer cum tea planter. This tract, henceforth called the Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle.

Overnight in the hotel

Munnar

Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. Reach and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanand Lake.

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.

Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppey. Overnight will be at Houseboat.

After breakfast proceed to Kochi (Cochin).

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

Enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION in the evening. Over night stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceeds for Ooty. As soon as you enter this zone, you would find greenery spread on the landscape. The green plantations are tea plantations and they spread a peculiar fragnance in the air. Just halt few minutes and you would be easily able to depict the vast difference from the plains. Especially in temperature, as it is situated at a higher altitude. The cool breeze tends to create a romantic ambiance which one needs to feel and absorb. Slowly as your car, take twist and turns on the mountainous terrain, you would recogonize and accept that Ooty is indeed a best hill station to explore. Your rooms would be booked in a good deluxe hotel . On your arrival, you would be given a warm welcome by the hotel staff. They would serve you a warm cup of tea or coffee on your arrival. After unpacking your baggage, we would visit Botanical gardens, which is 2kms from the town centre. Founded in 1847, these botanical gardens are perfect place for nature lovers. Then just in order to break some monotony, we would do boating at the Ooty Lake; in fact you can try angling as well. Amidst the natural beauty, it serves the purpose for adventure lovers.

Later in the evening, we would return back to our hotel. If you want you can engage yourself in some leisure activities which could be like walking or visiting a market nearby. The food would be served on time and you would get the best kind of hospitality that you would like to have on your,

Overnight stay at hotel,

After morning breakfast at hotel proceed for Mysore by road,

MYSORE:

Mysore

Mysore is the second biggest city in the State of Karnataka. It lies 130 km's from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. It is now the headquarters of Mysore District with a population of over seven lakhs. The chief language of the people, as in the State of Karnataka, is Kannada and original Kannada is spoken in this part of the area. It covers an area of more than 40 sq.km. and is administered by the Mysore City Corporation. Situated 763 meters above sea level surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of Palaces'. The famous Chamundi Hill, which is mythologically associated with the name of the city, is to its southeast. Mysore is associated with the Pouranic story that is found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to this story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura, because he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Siva, took birth as Chamundi or Chamundeswari and killed the monster. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshipped with reverence and devotion even today. However, the original name of the hill is 'Mahabaladri Hills' and it derived the name Chamundi Hills at a later period, after 17th century.

The earliest mention of Mysore or Mahishur historically is referred to the time of King Ashoka in 245 B.C. On the conclusion of the third Buddhist convocation, Ashoka is said to have despatched a monk to Mahishamandala for the purpose of spreading Buddhism. However, some historians have viewed that this Mahishamandala does not relate to Mysore or Mahishur. Some edicts of Ashoka have been found in the northern parts of the present Karnataka State. Similar reference is also found in the epic work, Mahabharata. According to this legend, King Yudhishtira is said to have sent an expedition and Sahadeva made an attack on Mahishmati. However, experts are of the opinion that the reference made in this epic, one of the oldest legends of an historical character, is not related to Mysore.

Over night stay in the resort.

After breakfast, leave for a guided sightseeing tour. Spend fun moments at Zoological Gardens, one of the best zoos in India, and then visit Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery to witness a rich collection of ancient paintings and musical instruments. Proceed to the serene St. Philomena’s Church, one of India’s largest churches beautifully built in Gothic style. Chamundi Hills, abode of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the deity of Mysore royal family, is an important pilgrimage site.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for Bangalore by road.

BANGALORE:
Bangalore is draped over the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of 949 meters (3113 ft.) above sea level, which gives it possibly the best climate among all the cities in India. Legend has it that Bangalore got its name from the words “Bendha KaaLu” (which means boiled beans in the local language Kannada). King Veera Ballala of the Vijayanagara kingdom was once lost in a forest and happened to stumble upon a lonely cottage. An old woman that lived there could offer the starving king only boiled beans “Bendha kaaLu” and the place came to be known as “Bendha kaaLu ooru” (ooru in Kannada means a city). BendhakaaLooru later came to be known as BengaLooru in Kannada and Bangalore in English. However, historical evidence shows that “BengaLooru” was recorded much before King Ballala's time in a 9th century temple inscription in the village of Begur. Even today "BengaLooru" exists within the city limits in Kodigehalli area and is called as "HalebengaLooru" or "Old Bangalore."

The present day city was designed by Kempe Gowda in the year 1537. During one of his hunting bouts, which was his favourite past time, Kempe Gowda was surprised to see a hare chase his dog and thus named the place as "gandu bhoomi" (heroic place). Kempe Gowda I, who was in charge of Yelahanka, built a mud fort in 1537 and with the help of King Achutaraya, built the little towns of Balepet, Cottonpet and Chickpet, all inside the fort. Today, these little areas serve as the major wholesale and commercial market places in the city. Kempe Gowda's son erected the four watch towers to mark the boundaries of Bangalore which are traceable even today and they stand almost in the heart of the present city.

Overnight stay will be at hotel,

After morning breakfast at hotel proceed for guided tour through the picturesque ‘City of Gardens’. Visit Tipu’s Palace, the summer residence of King Tipu Sultan, built in wood and tastefully adorned with intricately sculptured arches and minarets. Proceed to the famous Nandi or Bull Temple, one of the oldest in South India, Lal Bagh, Ulsoor Lake, Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha, headquarters of State Legislature and Secretariat. Stroll through Venkatappa Art Gallery, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Vishweshwaraiah Museum and Utility Building before proceeding to the hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast at hotel, and transfer to Bangalore airport for flight to Goa,

GOA:
Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.

Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

On arrival Goa airport, transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Relax in Goa. The breakfasts are included in the resort.

Breakfast at hotel and proceed for flight to Mumbai,

On arrival Mumbai domestic airport our company representative will give transfer to international airport to catch flight to onward destination with sweet memories of tour to India with TNS Travel Pvt Ltd.